Beauty Inside and Out
Recently, I was preparing to move to a new state and had to decide what to keep and what to donate to charity. I had some old beds in storage that had not been used since I was
My Confusion Cleared
I came into Al‑Anon angry, hurting, and confused as to how I managed a career, but seemed to consistently fail in my personal relationships. I had no idea that being raised in an alcoholic home had affected me
My Personal Three Cs
I am so grateful for the gift of my recovery in Al‑Anon. From my very first meeting, I clung to the “three Cs.” I didn’t cause, can’t control, and can’t cure the disease of alcoholism. I experienced freedom
Climbing the IAGSM Mountain
The following sharing was contributed by a member from South Africa who served for the first time as a Delegate to the International Al‑Anon General Services Meeting (IAGSM). This is a biennial meeting of representatives from national Service
Al-Anon Group Annual Updates—Our Journey
I had a lot to learn about group records when I came to work at the World Service Office (WSO). Although I had held a number of Area service positions, I never managed the Area records. What I
March Forth into Service
Al‑Anon Family Groups’ cofounder, Lois W., would be celebrating her 130th birthday on March 4, 2021. One of her familiar quotations is, “It takes only one person to start something, but many others to carry it out.” With
Al-Anon Saved My Life
Before Al‑Anon, I lived in a lot of fear. I shut down when a situation made me feel uncomfortable, or I lashed out like I was fending for my life. It was as if I was going to
The Courage to Grow
When I entered the Al‑Anon rooms for the first time, I was in deep despair. My adult daughter’s drinking was out of control. She was living with us, so her drinking affected my husband and I daily. I
In the Right Place
I remember what it was like to come to my first meeting. Actually, a member of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) encouraged me to attend. I certainly knew I needed the help. During the meeting, I was introduced to the
An Al-Anon Adult Child Finds Her Way
I didn’t know when I walked into my first Al‑Anon meeting what was wrong with me. I felt hopeless—not from my inability to solve an alcoholic’s problem, but from failing to solve my own problems. I was in
Planning Al-Anon’s Future—One Conversation at a Time
The Big Question session of the International Al‑Anon General Services Meeting (IAGSM) agenda is an opportunity to explore and speculate on the future. As a newcomer in service, these were the discussions I had the hardest time with.
My Journey to Serenity
When I attended my first Al‑Anon meeting, I was in a state of desperation, looking for a way to “fix” my son, the alcoholic. I didn’t know anyone at that meeting. Nevertheless, some members greeted me warmly, made